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Slain Denver officer's dedication recalled

By REMA RAHMAN Associated Press

Posted:
06/30/2012 09:24:11 AM MDT

Updated:
06/30/2012 02:29:51 PM MDT

DENVER—A Denver police officer who was shot and killed while trying to break up a fight was remembered Saturday as a devoted single mom and a fiercely dedicated officer who wanted to make the world safer for her 12-year-old daughter.

Hundreds of uniformed police officers, family members and friends packed a Denver church for the funeral of Celena Hollis, 32, who was shot in the head on June 24.

She was off-duty but in uniform providing security for a free jazz concert in a city park. Police arrested 21-year-old Rollen Oliver on suspicion of first-degree murder.

Hollis' daughter, Amyere, sobbed as she recalled how her mother was like a second mom to many of her friends.

"My mom was a very nice person. She was very adventurous," Amyere said. Everyone in the church stood as she spoke.

Hollis was a seven-year veteran of the Denver force and worked as an officer in Detroit before that. About a dozen Detroit officers who worked with her attended the service.

In Detroit, Wayne County sheriff's deputies honored Hollis Saturday by flashing their patrol car lights and blaring their sirens for 15 seconds.

"The loss of this engaging, dedicated law enforcement professional will be felt in Denver, Detroit and throughout the nation," Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon said in a release. "She is a hero to all of us."

Friends recalled Hollis' sense of style, and about 50 pairs of her shoes lined the stage.

"I'm imagining what shoes she is wearing now," said Pastor Chris Hill, drawing laughter from the crowd.

"We appreciate her smile, we appreciate her life," Hill said. "She don't need no gun no more. She has a badge of honor."

Prince's "Purple Rain" and Michael Jackson's "Pretty Young Thing" were played during the service.

Hancock said Friday that Hollis would be honored at Sunday's Jazz in the Park concert at City Park. There will be a silent vigil before the music starts and a band will play some of Hollis' favorite songs.

"We will not surrender what we consider special in this city to anyone," Hancock said after the shooting.

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